Our life, our story. Our past, present and future – ALL OF IT – belongs to us. And it doesn’t mean that we should be put in a category, tossed aside, separated socially, or be devalued, discredited, or discarded because of it. Once more, we must stop trying to measure up to someone else’s story.
There are many who lose confidence and devalue themselves because of life-changing realities – Realities such as various dysfunctions, loss of a loved one, unemployment, unexpected or terminal illness and even unplanned pregnancy. However, those realities should not affect how we think about or see ourselves.
Driving forces such as cultural, societal, self-imposed, or even religious perspective, can put huge pressure on us to conform to what others want us to believe as their truth about us. But we must stay true to ourselves and trust God’s guidance. In Scripture, Deuteronomy 31:8, Moses told Israel, and specifically Joshua, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” I believe God will do the same for us today as we navigate through this life.
Let’s not get lost in someone else’s story or even someone else’s identity, and never live ours. The essence of who we are now and who we will become, depends on our trust in God. As we seek to become whole and allow God to carry us in His care, let us not forget the heart of another.